Rejected proclamations upset Alderman Taylor

An issue involving two proclamations brought out the frustration of a New Bern alderman Tuesday night who wanted them passed for a man who was turning 102 years old and for a television anchor who held a fashion academy for teenagers in New Bern.

An issue involving two proclamations brought out the frustration of a New Bern alderman Tuesday night who wanted them passed for a man who was turning 102 years old and for a television anchor who held a fashion academy for teenagers in New Bern.

Alderman Victor Taylor said two proclamation requests were given to the city clerk in recognition of James Brown of Norwood Street who turned 102 and Valentina Wilson, anchorwoman for Channel 12, who held a teen fashion academy at the Flame on June 30.

Audrey Fields of 521 College Way spoke in support of Taylor’s attempt to get the proclamations passed. She said she believed Woods might be the oldest man in New Bern and maybe Craven County and the request to honor his longevity should have been recognized.

“However, we were prepared to accept the denial until it was pointed out that you have a proclamation declared for some person who trains dogs,” Fields said. “So we want to know what makes that person more viable to receive a proclamation than Mr. Brown.”

Mayor Lee Bettis asked who denied the request.

Taylor said he gave the two proclamations to the city clerk and was later told Bettis would not give him a proclamation for either event.

“I don’t have a problem with the mayor making the decision because he is the one who has to sign it,” Taylor said. “But if he makes a decision on personal feelings: unjust act. It was given to him and he sat there and told you all he didn’t get it. That is untrue. …He represents the entire community of New Bern. Don’t be judgmental with your decision making.”

Taylor cautioned whoever becomes the new mayor after the October election to not be judgmental and represent the entire city.

Bettis told Fields to see him after the meeting and said no one told him about the proclamation. “No, no, no,” Taylor said while walking back to his seat. “I gave the city clerk one…”

“Sit down,” Bettis said.

“I ain’t going to sit down,” Taylor said. “I gave the city clerk a copy of both of them.”

Bettis banged his gavel and moved on to the next topic.

The city clerk said Wednesday Brown was given a proclamation from the city when he turned 100 years old.

Eddie Fitzgerald can be reached at 252-635-5675 or at eddie.fitzgerald@newbernsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @staffwriter3.